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Mamelodi Sundowns face Wydad in AFL final's first leg, aiming to conquer past demons and claim the continental crown.
Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up for what could be a defining moment in their storied history as they face off against Wydad Casabalanca in the much-anticipated first leg of the African Football League (AFL) final.
This Sunday night at the Mohamed V Complex in Casablanca, echoes of a deep-seated rivalry will resonate as the two titans of African football vie for a chance to inscribe their names in the history of the tournament.
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Wydad will not only be defending their fortress but will also carry the weight of emotion, dedicating this match to their late player Ousaama Falouh.
The club has a history of rising to the occasion, as shown by their resilience against Nigeria’s Enyimba in the quarter-finals and their nerve-wracking victory on penalties against Esperance du Tunis in the semi-finals.
The journey has been arduous for both teams, with the Sundowns starting their campaign against Angola’s Petro de Luanda and showcasing their prowess by holding Al Ahly, the record African champions, at bay in the semis.
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History slightly favors Wydad, with the balance of wins tipping in their favor in recent match-ups. However, the Sundowns have shown a tenacity that belies the statistics, never failing to put up a formidable challenge.
The last two visits to Casablanca have ended in stalemates, and although they've never clinched victory on Wydad's turf, this encounter offers the perfect backdrop to rewrite that script.
With a lucrative USD 4 million cash prize on the line, both teams have more than just pride to play for.
Wydad's coach, Adil Ramzi, is hungry for redemption after last season’s Champions League final loss to Ahly.
"This is more than just a game; it's about writing a new chapter, one that future generations will look back on with pride," Ramzi stated, emphasizing the historic importance of the AFL victory.
Sundowns have been struggling to win their first continental trophy since the 2017 CAF Super Cup.
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“I have not watched [analysed] Wydad as a coach,” Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena told the media.
“I’ve watched Wydad against Enyimba just as a mere spectator. It’s time to recover the players, drink a lot of water, sleep.”
Msandawana's domestic dominance has been clear, but their continental aspirations have often been checked by their North African rivals.
The AFCL final presents a golden opportunity to claim supremacy and vindicate their continental credentials.
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